BootsnAll Travel Community

RE: http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/06-02/two-sides-of-th...st-region-china.html

Hi, I love your article. It was compelling. I felt a bit clausterphobic just reading it. I was wondering when you took this trip and if you speak Mandarin. How easy is it to travel in more remote parts of China without knowing the language?

I'm not the author but I've been through some remote parts of China and it's not that hard to do without knowing Mandarin. The thing I found was that after a couple of weeks away from any English-speakers (or French-speakers, with whom I can also communicate somewhat) I built up an impressive repertoire of gestures, facial expressions and movements that aided communication greatly. It's not easy to convey complex concepts but I only had a few communication train wrecks around China and none of those really cost me more than a bit of time and walking in the wrong direction.

Hi Joye,

Thanks for the nice comment. I realize you posted this a while ago but in case you're still interested...

I took the trip in October 2005, from Beijing to Hubei, then Guizhou and Yunan. And yes, I speak Mandarin, I'm from China originally. It's definitely challenging without knowing the language but I think with some preparation like scripting down your destination it's totally possible. Most places with general travel interests you can find someone speaking English, but if you are thinking about really going away from the tourist circle, definitely be prepared to point, sign, and try whatever way to make yourself understood.

Yan

Well written in my opinion. I like the reporting style, rich with observation and mostly reserved comment.
This is not unlike some trips I've had, but mine were shorter ones I think. Thanks for the article.